An EasyJet aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome at the weekend after a passenger’s luggage was identified as a potential fire hazard.

The captain informed all 180 passengers on board that a prohibited item in the hold presented a serious risk and needed to be addressed on the ground.

It has been reported that a passenger had left their mobile phone charging inside their checked baggage using a power bank.

A woman is said to have alerted a flight attendant to the whereabouts of her power bank, prompting the plane to be diverted owing to the risk of fire.

The emergency landing took place at 11.30pm on Saturday, May 23. Passengers were reportedly put up in hotel rooms, although some opted to spend the night in the airport terminal, as the next available EasyJet flight back to the UK was not until 2pm the following day (May 24).

On EasyJet’s website, the airline outlines its rules concerning lithium batteries, including items that are deemed “prohibited”. It states: “Power banks are accepted on EasyJet aircraft with a Wh rating not exceeding 160Wh for lithium batteries. Power banks are prohibited from use on EasyJet aircraft and must not be used to charge other devices.

“Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only. It is recommended that power banks be carried where they can be monitored (i.e. on your person)” The airline also limits passengers to carrying no more than two power banks each. EasyJet stipulates that all power banks “must be individually protected”, for instance by placing them back in their original retail packaging or inside a plastic bag, reports the Mirror.

These power bank rules apply to virtually all major airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and British Airways. Passengers are advised to check with their specific airline regarding any particular guidelines and requirements around travelling with a power bank, reports the Express.